[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 104 (Monday, June 2, 2025)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 23267-23269]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2025-09889]
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Rules and Regulations
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents
having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed
to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published
under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.
The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents.
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Federal Register / Vol. 90, No. 104 / Monday, June 2, 2025 / Rules
and Regulations
[[Page 23267]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2025-0006; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00803-R;
Amendment 39-23034; AD 2025-09-13]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3,
AS350D, AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, and AS355NP
helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report of a sliding door that
was locked in the open position detaching from the helicopter during
flight. This AD requires modifying certain upper rail rollers,
installing a label on each sliding door, and prohibits installing
affected upper rail rollers or a door having an affected upper rail
roller. These actions are specified in a European Union Aviation Safety
Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective July 7, 2025.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of July 7,
2025.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under
Docket No.FAA-2025-0006; or in person at Docket Operations between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD
docket contains this final rule, the mandatory continuing airworthiness
information (MCAI), any comments received, and other information. The
address for Docket Operations is U.S. Department of Transportation,
Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
For EASA material identified in this AD, contact EASA,
Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999
000; email: [email protected]; website: easa.europa.eu. You may find
the EASA material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu.
You may view this material at the FAA, Office of the
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Room 6N-
321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110. It is also available at
regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2025-0006.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Adam Hein, Aviation Safety Engineer,
FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (316)
946-4116; email: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to Airbus Helicopters
Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350D, AS355E,
AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, and AS355NP helicopters. The NPRM was
published in the Federal Register on January 17, 2025 (90 FR 5759). The
NPRM was prompted by EASA AD 2023-0131, dated July 3, 2023 (EASA AD
2023-0131) (also referred to as the MCAI), issued by EASA, which is the
Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union. The MCAI
states that a left-hand (LH) sliding door of a Model AS 350 B3
helicopter was lost while flying with the door locked in the open
position. Design review by Airbus determined that the upper rail roller
had a single locking device instead of two separate locking devices,
which is required for that type of fastener.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require modifying certain upper
rail rollers, installing a label on each sliding door, and prohibit
installing affected upper rail rollers or a door having an affected
upper rail roller. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the
insufficient upper rail roller locking mechanism of the sliding door.
The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could lead to the sliding door
detaching from the helicopter during flight, and subsequent damage to
the helicopter and injury to persons on the ground.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA-2025-0006.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of
the costs.
Conclusion
These products have been approved by the civil aviation authority
of another country and are approved for operation in the United States.
Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral agreement with this State of Design
Authority, that authority has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition
described in the MCAI referenced above. The FAA reviewed the relevant
data and determined that air safety requires adopting this AD as
proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products. Except for minor editorial changes, this
AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM. None of the changes will
increase the economic burden on any operator.
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed EASA AD 2023-0131, which requires modifying
affected upper rail rollers and installing a label on each sliding
door. EASA AD 2023-0131 also prohibits installing an affected upper
rail roller, or a door having an affected upper rail roller installed,
on any helicopter. This material is reasonably available because the
interested parties have access to it through their normal course of
business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.
Differences Between This AD and the MCAI
EASA AD 2023-0131 applies to Model AS350BB helicopters, whereas
this AD does not because that model is not FAA-type certificated.
[[Page 23268]]
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 972 helicopters of U.S.
registry. Labor rates are estimated at $85 per work-hour. Based on
these numbers, the FAA estimates that operators may incur the following
costs in order to comply with this AD.
Modifying the upper rail rollers and installing a label on the
sliding doors (up to two doors per helicopter) takes up to 8 work-hours
and parts cost $2,668 for an estimated cost of up to $3,348 per
helicopter and $3,254,256 for the U.S. fleet.
The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate.
According to the manufacturer, however, some of the costs of this AD
may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on
affected operators.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements.
Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight
of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for
practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary
for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that
authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to
exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order
13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States,
on the relationship between the national government and the States, or
on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
The Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
2025-09-13 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-23034; Docket No. FAA-
2025-0006; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00803-R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective July 7, 2025.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B, AS350BA,
AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350D, AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2,
AS355N, and AS355NP helicopters, certificated in any category, as
identified in European Union Aviation Safety Agency AD 2023-0131,
dated July 3, 2023 (EASA AD 2023-0131).
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC): Code 5200, Doors.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of a sliding door that was
locked in the open position detaching from the helicopter during
flight. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the insufficient upper
rail roller locking mechanism of the sliding door. The unsafe
condition, if not addressed, could lead to the sliding door
detaching from the helicopter during flight, and subsequent damage
to the helicopter and injury to persons on the ground.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Requirements
Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all
required actions and compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, EASA AD 2023-0131.
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2023-0131
(1) Where EASA AD 2023-0131 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where EASA AD 2023-0131 requires compliance in terms of
flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
(3) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2023-
0131 specifies to discard parts, this AD requires removing those
parts from service.
(4) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2023-
0131 specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer,
this AD does not require that action.
(5) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD
2023-0131.
(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA, has the
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19,
send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information
directly to the manager of the International Validation Branch, send
it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (j) of
this AD. Information may be emailed to: [email protected].
(2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the local Flight Standards District Office/certificate holding
district office.
(j) Related Information
For more information about this AD, contact Adam Hein, Aviation
Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY
11590; phone: (316) 946-4116; email: [email protected].
(k) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of the material listed in this paragraph
under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this material as applicable to do the actions
required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2023-0131,
dated July 3, 2023.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA material identified in this AD, contact EASA,
Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999
000; email: [email protected]; website: easa.europa.eu. You may
find the EASA material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu.
(4) You may view this material at the FAA, Office of the
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Room 6N-
321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability of
this material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110.
(5) You may view this material at the National Archives and
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability
of this material at NARA, visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations or email [email protected].
[[Page 23269]]
Issued on May 22, 2025.
Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2025-09889 Filed 5-30-25; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P